Anon, but not alone: Anonymous helps its fallen brethren

Arrested anons receive everything from legal help to care packages.

Anonymous is an organization famous for its disorganization with no leaders or power structure. When it comes to helping those who are down, an outsider might expect that anons who fall behind are left behind. But when an anon is apprehended by the government for cybercrime, a support network springs up around him or her, thanks to the orchestrations of a subset of Anonymous called FreeAnons, the "Anonymous Solidarity Network." Members of FreeAnons help arrested anons in various ways, from sending them care packages while they're in jail to sending a volunteer to court to monitor their case.

The front-facing part of the FreeAnons networks consists of several sites dedicated to raising money for arrested or imprisoned anons like Topiary or Mercedes, as well as a general fund for smaller cases. The general fund, which has been accepting money since October, has collected only $3,780.88—a paltry sum considering the number of cases multiplied by the cost of bail and lawyers' fees (that amount represents "the majority of collected funds," Nancy Norelli, a Florida lawyer and the public face of FreeAnons told Ars). Norelli and Barton, an anonymous FreeAnons member (nick changed to protect the anon), told Ars that no one does much to promote the funds and solicit donations outside of the AnonOps IRC or a session on Radio AnonOps—the nature of the support cast doesn't exactly lend itself to a high-profile charity ball.

But time is a more frequent donation than money. Barton laid out a hypothetical case: "An anon gets into trouble and is arrested. We would gather information that would aid in their defense, might help them find an attorney. Work with said attorney in their fact gathering, [collecting] relevant information or evidence if needed, send our persecuted anon a care package, perhaps help them improve their quality of life by adding to their prison fund."

Norelli and Barton went on to explain that while "the government wants [the anon] to feel alone… we stand with our brothers all the way." FreeAnons has "a number of tools" to help them do all these things while remaining anonymous, Barton said. Having a public and authorized proxy like Norelli helps.

In addition to helping with fact-finding and legal cases, FreeAnons also keeps in contact with an arrested anon's friends and family. When the anon has court hearings, FreeAnons will send a volunteer to each one to provide "real-time reporting of what is happening" to AnonOps' IRC, someone who is either "public or willing to take a risk." Barton said the volunteer anon uses a "discreet" tool (presumably a cell phone) that sends updates via SMS.

Given the faceless, structureless sea that is Anonymous, it may be surprising to learn that outed members aren't tossed overboard and forgotten, that anyone might care about anyone else. "We are the public library… the Red Cross," Barton said. "There are those who would see a new weak spot and try to cut it out, but when you look at the totality of our missions, we are glue that helps bind everyone together in certain ways."

Of course, there may be a measure of self-defense to this approach: if compromised anons keep receiving support from their fellow anons, complete cooperation and submission to the government doesn't seem like the only option.

Norelli and Barton pointed out that the support network is fairly large. An educational bot on some of AnonOps' IRC channels delivers a tutorial on laws regarding computer activity, how to stay anonymous on the Internet, and similar lessons (educating anons on how to be anons is one of FreeAnons' four core aims). The bot has been run an average of 36 times every day in the last year, for a total of over 13,000 possible individuals educated in the ways of FreeAnons.

Even upon conviction, an anon lost to the legal system is not lost forever. When asked whether anons who have been compromised are welcomed back, Norelli and Barton said that it's not impossible for them to regain anonymity. "We see nicks here we know have had contact with law enforcement," said Norelli.

Barton adds, "becoming anonymous is something that can be reestablished… the Internet and technology are more our world than it is theirs. This is a place where, ultimately, ideology speaks louder than stated affinity… All people have value."

It must be the ideology ("freedom" and "liberty" were often repeated) keeping the FreeAnons network together; it's certainly not the funding. Norelli expressed more fondness for good sentiments than cash: "lots of people send in a $5 donation and a note, and those are awesome… the notes are really touching."

Promoted Comments

If they truly wanted to help, they would stop doing what they do. Anything else makes them out to be hypocrites, which I knew they were already. Pretending to fight for us, then turn right around and stab you in the back at the same time.

So this is a series of funds to help hackers who have caused untold damage and disclosed the passwords of millions of innocent users, all done for reasons of pecuniary interest or inflating egos? Yeah count me out.

So this is a series of funds to help hackers who have caused untold damage and disclosed the passwords of millions of innocent users, all done for reasons of pecuniary interest or inflating egos? Yeah count me out.

Oh, I didn't know we were talking about the banking system?

On Topic - It is interesting to see a groundswell against what is happening around the world. Regardless of whether I think anon is right or wrong, it will be interesting to see where this leads.

If I ever commit a crime and get arrested, I hope a support system springs up around me and I'm referred to as a "fallen brother". I want a cult of personality to form around me no matter who I screw over. Take that, The Man!

So this is a series of funds to help hackers who have caused untold damage and disclosed the passwords of millions of innocent users, all done for reasons of pecuniary interest or inflating egos? Yeah count me out.

Oh, I didn't know we were talking about the banking system?

Not sure what did you mean by this. Are you justifying their actions? The ends justifies the means, eh? Doesn't matter how many innocent people you screw over in the process. How is Anon any different than the "Bankers"? Hah.

Not sure what did you mean by this. Are you justifying their actions? The ends justifies the means, eh? Doesn't matter how many innocent people you screw over in the process. How is Anon any different than the "Bankers"? Hah.

Sorry should have said Wall Street. As the quote goes one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist.

So this is a series of funds to help hackers who have caused untold damage and disclosed the passwords of millions of innocent users, all done for reasons of pecuniary interest or inflating egos? Yeah count me out.

Oh, I didn't know we were talking about the banking system?

Not sure what did you mean by this. Are you justifying their actions? The ends justifies the means, eh? Doesn't matter how many innocent people you screw over in the process. How is Anon any different than the "Bankers"? Hah.

If you're really not sure what he means by this, welcome to the internet. It must be your first day. You might want to look up the words "irony" and "sarcasm" and "caturday" and "butthurt". You might also want to watch something on TV we call "The News", though you should avoid at all costs the propaganda machine known as "FOX" news, as somehow the word "FOX" negates the word "NEWS". After educating yourself properly, you should be prepared to accept the existence of things called "facts" and how they differ greatly from what most people call "bullshit". At this point you may be ready to learn about the final boss of the internet and a most handsome fellow known as Anonymous, which you will never again mistake for the "bankers".The moar you know!

Not sure what did you mean by this. Are you justifying their actions? The ends justifies the means, eh? Doesn't matter how many innocent people you screw over in the process. How is Anon any different than the "Bankers"? Hah.

Because Anon is usually open about what they're doing and why they're doing it, as opposed to fraudulently siphoning huge sums of money from the little guys and recklessly killing the economy in the process. There's also the fact that Anon is not being paid for their work and aren't generally deriving any profit from it, which compares favorably to a group being paid absurd amounts (considering the mundane nature of the work they do) while failing to uphold any standard of responsibility and professionalism.

We might also get into the skewed priorities of the 'authorities' since they seem keen on imprisoning one of these groups but not the other .... but I'm having a hard time understanding how you can you can legitimately compare the scale of damage done to the general public perpetrated by the banks to that of Anon.

So this is a series of funds to help hackers who have caused untold damage and disclosed the passwords of millions of innocent users, all done for reasons of pecuniary interest or inflating egos? Yeah count me out.

Oh, I didn't know we were talking about the banking system?

On Topic - It is interesting to see a groundswell against what is happening around the world. Regardless of whether I think anon is right or wrong, it will be interesting to see where this leads.

#Winning

Yeah, i wonder if the incompetents in three letter agencies across the world can win in the long run against anons Sucks when classified data that incriminantes government/corporation officials is freed, not

Regardless of what you think of the group and their actions - it must be hard being young and nerdy and going to prison.

Most of these guys being arrested are kids - they don't know what kind of damage they are doing in any meaningful way. Just like when I was young and would go around vandalizing property (nothing major, I assure ) but even so, I never thought about the trouble I was causing others.

So if they have a fund out there that can help these kids out, I'm all for it.

Just a waste of talent (sticking them in jail), IMO. They should jail these kids on a military base and brainwash train them to attack other countries.

i think we all value ethic values (which are closely related to moral ones). when i was a child my mother would ask me to do chores...maybe i was too young but the fact is that i would dust by using a cloth and going around items instead of cleaning under them...i knew it was wrong way back then...almost like a voice was watching me but i ignored it because i culdn't see it and therefore i thought maybe it culdn't see me.

the FREEMASONs may very well be a secret order of genius privy to information concerning existentialism that many others are not.

there is a very good reason that ATHEISTS cannot become FREEMASONs and it has nothing to do with religious differences.

'ni dieu ni maitre' (thats french...maybe similar to the masks of Anonymous)

I used to think that anarchy was cool too.

Its true that there are people who hold high positions or have great wealth that are very dirty people. being one who brings judgement on another is very risky and very hard to do without becoming a transgressor (or becoming a martyr) in the progress.

just be carefull yu don't hand over your good works that you would hope could free a world over to TERRORISTs who already have a sinister plan to enslave it (perhaps they have had one for a very long time now).

kudos to the Anons {who} for their practices that are well thought out...those who are vigilant and with honor {~honesty}

"i send yu out as a sheep among wolves; i set a place for you before a table enemies; be faithful be vigilant for your advisary {the devil} stalks you like a lion in order to devour you"

ps...people who are nice to you arent always yur friend...beware of TROJANS bearing gifts...but those who are always honest {direct and upfront) with you are your friends even if they aren't always so nice.

If you're really not sure what he means by this, welcome to the internet. It must be your first day. You might want to look up the words "irony" and "sarcasm" and "caturday" and "butthurt". You might also want to watch something on TV we call "The News", though you should avoid at all costs the propaganda machine known as "FOX" news, as somehow the word "FOX" negates the word "NEWS". After educating yourself properly, you should be prepared to accept the existence of things called "facts" and how they differ greatly from what most people call "bullshit". At this point you may be ready to learn about the final boss of the internet and a most handsome fellow known as Anonymous, which you will never again mistake for the "bankers".The moar you know!

Yeah, because someone calling himself "sockputtetgovernment" MUST know what he's talking about, right?

Hint: Those other "news" agencies you're referring to? THEY are the propaganda services. Not Fox.

Before you tell someone to educate themselves, you should try it yourself first.

On topic: Hardly surprises me to see Ars all warm and fuzzy about a bunch of cyberterrorists forming a support network for each other.

If they truly wanted to help, they would stop doing what they do. Anything else makes them out to be hypocrites, which I knew they were already. Pretending to fight for us, then turn right around and stab you in the back at the same time.

Hint: Those other "news" agencies you're referring to? THEY are the propaganda services. Not Fox.

This must be sarcasm right? "ALL news agencies BUT FOX are propaganda machines".If anything we should be aware that all news agencies are propaganda machines, it's just that we have to be aware of who's beliefs they're trying to enforce. FOX is particularly bad, they cut off people making legitimate arguments, and most the time don't even have people on that have arguments that differ to their own. The best media agencies allow the other side to speak as equally as their own side, allowing their points to be based on their merits.

Arthmoor wrote:

On topic: Hardly surprises me to see Ars all warm and fuzzy about a bunch of cyberterrorists forming a support network for each other.

Not all anon are what you would deem cyberterrorists, not all cyberterrorists are anon. Everyone should be applauded for building a support based network, especially one that is based on work rather than just money.

So this is a series of funds to help hackers who have caused untold damage and disclosed the passwords of millions of innocent users, all done for reasons of pecuniary interest or inflating egos? Yeah count me out.

I can't figure out anyway you could donate without leaving a trail back to you, unless you mail the cash.

Bitcoin?

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Some people support Anon but aren't Anon. And personally, it's probably best if this becomes a public discussion with public display's of support. People should realise it's not an entirely underground movement.

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Some people support Anon but aren't Anon. And personally, it's probably best if this becomes a public discussion with public display's of support. People should realise it's not an entirely underground movement.

Yea but if your going to Support the movement, support it, publicly. Revolution and real change doesn't happen under the covers....I personally feel that if you're not willing to stand up for your belief, you really don't truly believe in that thing to begin with.

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Some people support Anon but aren't Anon. And personally, it's probably best if this becomes a public discussion with public display's of support. People should realise it's not an entirely underground movement.

Yea but if your going to Support the movement, support it, publicly. Revolution and real change doesn't happen under the covers....I personally feel that if you're not willing to stand up for your belief, you really don't truly believe in that thing to begin with.

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Some people support Anon but aren't Anon. And personally, it's probably best if this becomes a public discussion with public display's of support. People should realise it's not an entirely underground movement.

Yea but if your going to Support the movement, support it, publicly. Revolution and real change doesn't happen under the covers....I personally feel that if you're not willing to stand up for your belief, you really don't truly believe in that thing to begin with.

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Some people support Anon but aren't Anon. And personally, it's probably best if this becomes a public discussion with public display's of support. People should realise it's not an entirely underground movement.

Yea but if your going to Support the movement, support it, publicly. Revolution and real change doesn't happen under the covers....I personally feel that if you're not willing to stand up for your belief, you really don't truly believe in that thing to begin with.

I like how we both believe in public displays of support, and we're both posting under monikers. Point being, public support is important if you're in an environment that benefits from it. There is need for anonymity still. But definitely if you're in a safe environment, public support is essential to show that sometimes anonymity is needed.

Troll? It's well established that Bitcoin is in no way anon... of course there are things you can do, but my feeling is that FreeAnon is really a way to attract the "wannabes" and "techies." I mean who ever heard of a support site for a group representing Anons that allows you to login/post via Facebook?

Some people support Anon but aren't Anon. And personally, it's probably best if this becomes a public discussion with public display's of support. People should realise it's not an entirely underground movement.

Yea but if your going to Support the movement, support it, publicly. Revolution and real change doesn't happen under the covers....I personally feel that if you're not willing to stand up for your belief, you really don't truly believe in that thing to begin with.

I like how we both believe in public displays of support, and we're both posting under monikers. Point being, public support is important if you're in an environment that benefits from it. There is need for anonymity still. But definitely if you're in a safe environment, public support is essential to show that sometimes anonymity is needed.

Good point. Good point indeed. However, its a bit moot. If I said my name was Joseph, would you believe me? Even if you did, could you verify this was true or false? So by intuition, posting under a moniker or under your real name has essentially the same thing. You have to believe that what I tell you is my real name, otherwise, the name I give you may as well be some other pseudonym.

But if we really wanted to get to a point of public display, perhaps, we could take the Reddit approach of posting a pic proving what you say.

In general, however, identity ( and trust ) on the internet is a tough problem...